WBA was commissioned to develop a Conceptual Master Plan exploring multiple ideal sites for a new residence on a 2700-acre working-ranch. The general Valley site was chosen by the Owner as it was private yet afforded expansive lowland southwestern views toward Ranch gate and future equestrian barn / pasture. It was on a slightly elevated ridge near the bottom of a forked Valley with two overburdened springs that were being skillfully uncovered. Why not build at ridge tip and just above the forked springs – so as to be surrounded by both Valley Springs. Why not optimize view / engagement with proximate south-spring-fed-pond with a step-down-native-grass-slope-cum-terrace-deck above guest / pool house just above the crystal-clear cool celadon water. Lastly, in an effort to make the Ranch Owners residence more private we envisioned a low-ground-hugging-steel-ranch-shed-shade-parasol akin to a hyper-thin Texas Live Oak hovering just above a warm-colored-concrete-plinth-cum-outcrop incorporating ranch vehicles just below and to-the-side with a forked entry staircase down to the pond and up toward the dark-protective-shade-blade and ever-outwards into the expansive space of the Hill Country. The uphill side is most private yet expansive with study and kitchen either side of central stairway and downhill side is an indoor / outdoor living room with double-flued fireboxes at either end with a continuous slit-skylight between, allowing each roof to bend up differentially relative to uphill views and warm sun in the winter and / or to bend downward to downhill views with deference to shade in hot summer months.